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It is added that the plants " have been many years in the Society's posses- 

 sion. The first and last were, in fact, gigantic specimens when imported.' 



There was even a proposal to form an Orchid Society, the following note 

 by " Dodman." appearing ip. 406) : — 



" Orchids, and the Establishment of a new Society relating to them.— I hav 

 for some time been satisfied that it would be very desirable to establish ; 

 small society for the propagation of the knowledge of Orchidaceous plants 

 recording novelties, and any peculiarities as to their culture, &c. Th 

 taste for these plants is spreading daily, and Mr. Bateman's sale, where th" 

 principal growers or their gardeners were collected, reminded me of th" 

 Roxburgh Book Club, founded after the great sale of the Roxburgh books. 

 I think from 100 to 200 might be reckoned on ; and, say that the subscrip 



enable the Society to defray the small expense of periodical meetings, an 

 probably to publish a small journal." Then followed suggestions as t- 

 details, which need not be repeated, and we may add in conclusion tlu ' 

 nothing further appears to have been heard of the proposal. 



(p. 308, 389), in which he remarked:—" I hear almost every day of som 

 new person starting up (undeterred by the supposed great difficulties <■ 

 cultivation), who is willing to make an attempt at grow ing a few Orchids 

 and further, I find that the collectors in the upper classes are also increasing. 

 A small house for the growing the more easily cultivated Orchids may be 

 had at a small cost; and I do not know anyone class of plants that are s- 



occupation for all the year round : and there is scarcely a day in the yea: 

 but there will be some one plant or another in flower." He then went int 

 details about some existing Orchid houses, gave a design for a cheap house 

 and a list of about 200 species, comprising the best in general cultiyatior 

 and concluded by saying that collectors in all quarters are ransacking th 

 forests, &c, to send home plants," and that a friend in Penanghad written 



been the demand for them of late." 



The Gardeners' Chronicle for 185 1 was distinguished by a series of ove 

 twenty articles on Orchid Culture, by Mr. B. S. Williams, gardener 

 C. B. Warner, Esq., of Hoddesdon, entitled "Orchids for 'the Millie 

 which was afterwards expanded into the Orchid-Grower's Manual, a y 

 which has since gone through seven editions, and contributed enormo 

 to the popularisation of these beautiful plants. We find also an articjt 

 Dodman on Orchid Exhibitions, in which he complains that prizes 

 only offered for good culture, which results in much sameness, lurg- 



